Today, we at IMS interviewed Aarti Nihalani – The 100 Percentiler. Read on to know how Aarti mastered the changing CAT.

What was your target for CAT 2006? Did you ever anticipate that you would be amongst the top scorers?
I started my preparation with an aim to be one of the top 50 students in Mumbai.  I did not at any point think that I would be able to score a 100 percentile.

What do you think helped you the most in scoring a 100 percentile?
It was impossible for me to prepare for the CAT on my own. I needed someone to make the preparation enjoyable. The basic training that I received from my faculty at IMS, the lectures and BRMs helped me with the understanding of concepts. Since, I had a fair understanding of the concepts I was motivated to solve questions and explore further. IMS training and faculty made the CAT preparation pleasurable for me.

How many practice tests did you take before the CAT?
I took all the tests in the SimCAT series and also 5-6 of the FCTs. SimCATs helped me big time. Each test in the SimCAT series was different and it prepared me for all the CAT possibilities.

Did you spend time on the post-test analysis, any self-analysis after these tests?
Yes, I used to go back to each test. I used to check the correct answers for the questions that stumped me. This way I would know where I needed to be cautious next time.

Was there any particular test in the SimCAT series that helped you the most?
The SimCAT 7 i.e. the Open SimCAT helped me the most. After taking the open SimCAT, I thought if I could write this test I could definitely take the CAT as well.

What was your study schedule like?
See, I am a final year Engineering student. I needed to juggle my college studies, CAT preparation and extra curricular activities. After college, I used to spend time reading the BRMs. Sometimes; I used to take the FCTs in IMS study room. It is difficult to study for long hours at home.  I liked studying in the study room as many students at my center used to study there. At times I used to take the FCTs to just check my understanding of the concepts and not time them.

Was it possible for you to take time for your hobbies and extra curricular activities?
At a point it did get difficult for me. UICT’s annual meet, Prodigy happens in the month of January. I had to dedicate some time to this festival, as I am the Vice-President of the Organizing Committee for Prodigy. I used to miss classes sometimes. I attended other classes more than my batch’s classes. IMS was very supportive, used to accommodate me in other class whenever I missed any important lecture.

In what different ways did IMS help you in the CAT preparation?
I read Advac’edge MBA regularly.  I do not have anybody with the management background in my family. The articles that covered the Profiles of B-schools gave a fair idea about B-schools of high repute. Whenever I needed to know the important dates for tests like XAT, CAT, NMAT; IMS counseling came forward to help me. 

What next after this feat? What is your approach to the forthcoming GD-PI rounds?
I do not know how to start my GD-PI preparation actually. I read magazines like the India Today to keep myself updated. I am looking forward to the Achiever’s Workshop.

If not an MBA, what would be your career choice?
I know I cannot do more in the technical field. It has to be an MBA for me.

What is your long-term plan? Where do you see yourself after completing your MBA?
Politics interests me. I wish to become an industrialist and eventually step in the realm of politics.

What would you like to tell the CAT 07 aspirants?

• While I was solving the RC section, IMS faculty’s voice kept ringing in my ear, “ Go with your gut feeling. Don’t think too much.” I would like to tell the CAT aspirants to trust IMS’s word.
  
• I have always loved DI; I enjoy questions involving logic. I do not go for numeric questions. But over time I have realized that you cannot just do things you like. To crack the CAT it is necessary to keep your mind open.
  
• After taking the practice tests you will know how much time you need for each section. Thus, you will be in a position to strategize and distribute the time for each section.  Stick to your strategy. Do not make any last minute changes in the strategy on the CAT day.